9 Questions to Ask the Best Private Schools in San Diego on Your Visit

In the course of the last year, nearly 2 million students in the US were enrolled in Catholic Schools. If you would like your child to be one of them, it’s important to know how to identify the best private schools in San Diego.

As a parent, there are two important things you’ll need in finding the right school for your child: your gut and the right questions. While we know you’ve already got your parental intuition down, you can read on for some assistance in finding the right questions to ask.

What to Ask While Touring the Best Private Schools in San Diego

When visiting San Diego private schools, do not be afraid to speak up and ask some important questions. While it’s important to do some research prior to your tour, be sure to write down any questions you plan on bringing up.

Continue reading for some important questions to include, and what to look out for.

1. What Subjects Do You Cover?

It’s a common misconception that small children are limited to a narrow range of subjects. While we aren’t suggesting a school dives head first into preschool trigonometry, it’s important to find one that aims to introduce children to a range of topics.

For example, even small children can observe plant species, practice gardening skills, or even geography. The best private schools in San Diego will know how to pique your child’s curiosity and communicate lessons to them at any age.

2. Are There Any Extracurriculars Available?

There are a number of studies that show the many benefits children receive from art and music programs. The younger you can expose your child to such a program, the better it will be for their development.

Ask about any additional extracurricular activities the school may offer such as art, music, or dance. If the school doesn’t offer the activities themselves, see if they have any relationship with programs that do.

3. How Much Involvement Do You Expect from Parents?

Schools that are dedicated to the success of a child understand that it’s a team effort, and will expect parent involvement. Take any additional responsibilities as a parent as a good sign.

For example, a school may host monthly “parent school” classes to teach educational skill sets to parents. You may be asked to attend observation days or to even handle class lunch. The point is not to burden you, but to ensure your child is receiving the same messaging from every area in their life.

4. What Is the Teacher to Class Ratio?

Another sign that a school is invested in its students is smaller class sizes. While it would be more economically beneficial to the school to take as many students as possible, it wouldn’t benefit the students.

Smaller class sizes mean more one on one attention. It also increases the chance that teachers are aware of any learning difficulties or challenges your child may be facing. Look for class sizes of about 25 children or less.

5. How Do You Handle Behavioral Issues?

How do you expect your child to be disciplined in the case of a behavioral issue? Does the school have a three strike policy?

It’s important here to identify how you choose to discipline your child and to find a school with linear beliefs. Remember, consistency is key, especially with young children. It can become confusing to have things handled at school one way, and handled differently at home.

6. How Do You Handle Learning Disabilities?

It’s important to know how the school works with children with learning disabilities, even if your child doesn’t currently have any. Most learning disabilities are not recognized until the age of 6 or 7 when vocabulary and reading skills are expected to grow.

Look for schools that are able to recognize learning disabilities and are able to work with them. Your child’s learning disabilities should be embraced without the child feeling different or falling behind in their education.

7. How Diverse Is Your School?

The world is a diverse place filled with individuals from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. It’s important that children grasp this concept at a young age and are exposed to a level of diversity.

Having a mixed classroom of peers is an important way to teach your child that everyone should be respected, no matter where they come from.

8. What Kind of Backgrounds Do Your Teachers Have?

Knowing the backgrounds of the teacher is essential when looking for private schools in San Diego. Not only do you want teachers with a depth of teaching experience, but it also helps if they’ve studied basic child psychology.

A great teacher not only knows how to teach, but how to understand the way someone learns. Teachers that are able to express a lesson in a variety of teaching styles (visual, hands-on, etc.) are those that will receive the best results from their students.

9. How do You Determine the Childs Placement?

When working with children, not all schools will go about their placement in the same way. Some schools will decide where your child is based simply based on their age. This can be a problem if a child is ahead of their peers, as they will likely get bored.

Placing students by age can also become an issue for children that are behind and may need some extra help catching up. Try looking for a school that places your child by testing or observation to ensure they are put in the right level.

The Education They Deserve

Touring the best private schools in San Diego is one of the most important steps you can take for your child’s education. We understand that you have a passionate dedication to your child’s development, and it’s important to find a school that does the same.

If you still have any questions you would like to discuss with us, contact us today to schedule your tour. We are excited to share with you our passion for education.